Recycling FAQ

How
can I find out where materials can be recycled?

Check the list of Washington
County Recycling Drop Off locations listed on the Washington County Solid Waste Web Site
or look on the last page of the local Verizon phone directory. Call the County's Recycling Office at 240-313-2796 for specific
questions or for the names of private recycling companies.

Can
I mix recyclables?

You can mix cans, glass bottles
and plastic bottles # 1 - # 7 together, but the newspaper must be kept separate.

How
do they sort the cans, glass and plastic?

The mixed commingled rigid
containers are taken to recycling sorting facilities where the materials are sorted by
machines and by hand.

Why doesn't Washington County recycle more materials?

There are a number of factors
that influence what materials are selected for recycling. Some of these factors are:

The amount of a specific material that can be
separated from other waste.

The cost of collection and processing.

End use (market) availability for the material.

Why
doesn't the County provide curbside recycling for all citizens?

Many communities that are not
as rural as our county have curbside recycling. Historically, Washington County has taken
the responsibility for providing landfill capacity and recycling drop-off sites, but has
depended on private companies to collect trash and recyclables. A significant change in
philosophy and the County's budget would have to occur should the County assume these
responsibilities. The level of service the County provides is dependent on health, safety,
citizen demands and budgetary constraints.

Is there any charge to use the County's recycling sites?

Yes. Recycling at all County facilities requires the purchase of a Recycling Permit. Permit cost is $36 and is valid from July 1 to June 30.

Where
can I recycle paint?

The County
does not recycle paint. See "How do I dispose of old paint"
question above, in Solid Waste FAQ section, for disposal of small
amounts of paint.

Where
can I recycle used motor oil and used antifreeze?

Several of the large discount
auto parts stores now offer recycling service for these items.
All County waste sites (see last page of
Verizon phone directory or Solid Waste web page for locations) have
tanks for used oil and antifreeze (5 gallon maximum per visit).

Where
can I recycle automobile batteries?

Most stores that sell batteries
offer rebates for your old trade in battery.
The County does offer a drop off site for used automobile
batteries at the Forty West Landfill.